Bangkok, July 18 th 2013, Michiel Fransen, Standards & Certification Coordinator ASC - Transforming aquaculture
Today ASC General information ASC Responsible Feed Project
The bigger picture Growing demand for seafood protein Decreasing wild fish stocks Aquaculture fastest growing food production sector (8.8%; 1980-2010) Several (mostly unintended) negative impacts ASC Responsible aquaculture production Similarities to MSC and FSC
What? (Mission) A world where aquaculture plays a major role in supplying food and social benefits for mankind whilst minimizing negative impacts on the environment How? (Vision) Transform aquaculture towards an environmental and social responsible sector using efficient market mechanisms that create value across the chain
About ASC Independent; not for profit Established April 2010 Founders: WWF and IDH (the Sustainable Trade Initiative) Open & transparent multi-stakeholder approach (!) Objectives: Recognise and reward responsible fish farming Support purchasing of certified farmed seafood
ASC Farm Standards Based on Best Management Practice (BMP) 7 Principles, addressing: Environmental impact Social impact Unique science-based performance metrics Continuous improvement
Addressing environmental impacts ü ü ü ü ü ü Reduce impact on biodiversity Conservation of species diversity and wild populations Feed and resources used responsibly Animal health and husbandry Controlled and minimised use of antibiotics and chemicals Responsible use of water
Addressing social impacts Farm personnel and community Assessed by qualified social auditors ü ü ü ü ü ü Prevent child- and forced labour No discrimination Promote health and safety regulations Wages, working hours & living Freedom of association and rights for collective bargaining Community relations and interaction
ASC Certification process Worldwide & covers all production systems Third-party certification process: Independent certifiers Independent accreditation/monitoring of certifiers Transparent audit process: Public consultation (audit announcement & draft report) o Bilingual at ASC website and farm (English & local)
Future Complete remaining 2 standards: Shrimp, Seriola/Cobia Bring all standards to market (set up accreditation, training auditors, etc.) Include more species Review/revise standards content Develop Group certification requirements Develop Feed Standard
ASC Responsible Feed Project
Responsible Feed Project Marine ingredients Terrestrial ingredients Other/additional ingredients
Responsible Feed Project IMPACT! Marine ingredients IMPACT! Terrestrial ingredients Ingredients for feed have varying environmental impacts Other/additional ingredients IMPACT!
Responsible Feed Project IMPACT Marine ingredients IMPACT Terrestrial ingredients IMPACT! 41 MT vs 71 MT Other/additional ingredients IMPACT Urge for responsible sourced aquafeed
Responsible Feed Project Multi-Stakeholder process Many separate initiatives; limited impact Growing awareness & need for cooperation Inviting stakeholders to 1 table: combining incentives from both industry and non-industry! Bundling capacity on knowledge, experience, network, etc.
Responsible Feed Project About the project 3-year period (end 2015) Entire process transparent Steering Committee & Technical Working Groups; both multistakeholder Draft 1.0 and Draft 2.0 > public comment period Pilot testing
Responsible Feed Project Project outputs & outcomes Global Standard for Responsible Aquaculture Feed Production By 2020 10-12% world aquafeed production certified A strong market-based incentive Working on aquaculture reputation improvement
Responsible Feed Project Cooperation with GAA/BAP and GLOBALG.A.P. Joint cooperation on development of this standard Joint efficiency improvement: audit training/capacity, back office
Responsible Feed Project Participation 1. Steering Committee (assembly almost complete) 2. Technical Working Group (additional members needed) 3. Public consultation on Standard Draft 1 and 2 All stakeholders are invited (!) 4. Pilot Partners Clear indication on certification possibility Start-up mid 2014 5. Updates via news e-mail for all interested parties
Responsible Feed Project Interested parties Interested to join? Contact ASC/me
Thank you for your attention! michiel.fransen@asc-aqua.org
ASC - General information Aquaculture importance About ASC ASC standards Accreditation process Traceability of certified product ASC Consumer logo Added value
The ASC Standards Result of 8 individual Aquaculture Dialogues >2,000 participants; broad multi-stakeholder spectrum Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) Pangasius Standard 1.0 Tilapia Standard 1.0 Salmon Standard 1.0 Trout Standard 1.0 Abalone Standard 1.0 Seriola/ Cobia Standard 1.0 Shrimp Standard 1.0 Bivalve Standard 1.0 Pangasius Dialogue (WWF) Tilapia Dialogue (WWF) Salmon Dialogue (WWF) Trout Dialogue (WWF) Abalone Dialogue (WWF) Seriola Dialogue (WWF) Shrimp Dialogue (WWF) Bivalve Dialogue (WWF)
Memorandum of Understanding ASC, Global Aquaculture Alliance, Global G.A.P. Recognise common interests to achieve greater efficiencies Collaborative work on: auditing efficiencies feed requirements shared IT infrastructure auditor training chain of custody Next progress update on in September 2013
About ASC Supervisory Board (5-9) Retail Producers Knowledge Org. Social NGO s Stake holder Advisory Group A-brands Processors Executive Board (max. 3) Technical Advisory Group Environment al NGO s Certification Organizations & Certifiers Operational Organization WG WG
How to get ASC? 1) Contact CB s for scope Tilapia ( http://www.accreditation-services.com/archives/standards/asc) 2) Contract accredited CB for scope Tilapia 3) Plan audit together with CB 4) Prepare audit carefully with CB (follow ASC Tilapia Pre-Audit Checklist, ASC Tilapia standard)
How the 3rd party process works monitors Standard Se4er Farm Standards Assessment Guidance Methodology Traceability Methodology trains Logo Licensing licenses Accreditation Body (ASI)) accredits Certification Bodies assesses Farm Claim & logo Chain
From Farm to Fork Chain of Custody (CoC) certification in partnership with MSC ASC certified products traceable from farm to fork by Chain of Custody certification Provides audit efficiency in supply chain and efficiencies in system costs
The ASC Consumer Logo Helps consumers choose for responsibly farmed seafood sourced from farms that limit their environmental and social impacts ASC certified products now available in European, US and Canadian supermarkets
Why choose ASC?
Why choose ASC? Farm performance Better/more insight in production data Efficiency improvement more focussed Less risk within production Higher production, less costs
Why choose ASC? Business advantage Export markets/zones increase demand in certified ( = internatioanlly recognized) products Within the export market ASC is a well-recognized premium label ASC still young. Being certified now gives competitive advantage over other Chinese-exporters Industry preference above GLOBALG.A.P. and GAA/BAP Improve reputation & brand value
Why choose ASC? Investment advantage ASC Certified farms have lower risk profiel (more control on farm and customer assurance) ASC Certification can be used as screening tool ASC Certification indicates farm has a mind for the future